Vehicle Description
By 1917, Cadillac had already established itself as a leader in
innovation and quality. Cadillac's founder Henry Leland was a true
pioneer of American industry and a champion for mass produced,
precision machine manufacturing. Cadillac's breakthrough of the
electric Self-Starter system and electric lights in 1912 were
largely responsible for cementing the internal combustion
automobile's dominance over electric and steam. Three years later,
they introduced another significant innovation - the world's first
mass-produced V8 engine. The L-head engine was designed by the
Scottish born engineer D. McCall White and featured two cast iron
cylinder blocks with integral heads mounted atop an aluminum-copper
alloy crankcase. It was an ingenious design that utilized fork and
blade connecting rods to provide clearance for opposing cylinders
as well as dual water pumps when most cars made do with simple,
inefficient thermo-syphoning cooling systems. The engine produced
an impressive 70 horsepower and was a marvel of smooth running and
linear power delivery. There was even an optional Kellogg auxiliary
air compressor which could be used to inflate tires in the event of
a puncture. With continual refinement, it was this V8 engine that
truly put Cadillac at the top of its market segment, proudly
supporting their bold motto - The Standard of the World. Handsome
and imposing, this 1917 Cadillac Model 55 Opera Coupe is one of our
personal favorites. According to Cadillac archives, this car,
55-B-39 was originally delivered to Toronto, Ontario, Canada to a
Mrs. Hyslop. Her husband was one of the partners in Hyslop Bros.,
the first Cadillac and Oldsmobile distributorship in Ontario.
Three-passenger Opera Coupe bodywork is a lovely formal style that
is rarely seen today. It is quickly distinguished by its dual oval
rear windows and tall, upright proportion. This wonderful example
wears its older restoration well, with Cadillac Blue main body
subtly offset by black fenders and black leather topping. Panel fit
and paint finish quality is excellent and in keeping with the
original high level of build quality these cars were famous for. It
rides on a set of wooden spoke artillery wheels wrapped in black
wall tires that help enhance the imposing, almost sporting
appearance. A rear mounted spare wheel keeps the body lines clean
and uncluttered, while adding visual length. The nickel detailing
is in excellent order and provides a touch of bright flash. An
interesting feature of this body is the fact that the central
B-pillar can be removed with thumb screws that transform this
formal elegant body into one of the earliest iterations of the
"pillarless coupe". Rather interestingly, the driver sits alone up
front with accommodations for two passengers on the rear bench
seat. A folding jump seat sits in the front footwell for the
occasional fourth occupant inside, while a leather-trimmed rumble
seat is reserved for two additional very occasional passengers. The
"Fat Man Wheel" folds out of the way to allow the gentleman of
ample girth to climb aboard without the possibility of embarrassing
himself in front of female companions. Seats, interior panels and
door cards are all trimmed in period correct Bedford cord to a high
standard. Trim, carpets and interior fittings are in excellent
order throughout. Original instrumentation includes speedometer,
fuel pressure gauge and ammeter while a Moto-Meter atop the
radiator keeps watch on engine temps. An interesting feature is the
mechanically dipped headlights which work through a system of rods
and linkages attached to the headlight reflectors, all operated via
a lever on the steering column. It just goes to demonstrate the
level of thoughtful design that Cadillac was famous for. By 1917,
D. McCall White's masterpiece V8 engine had received some important
upgrades. Lighter weight pistons were introduced, improving
efficiency and drivability while improvements to the 3-speed
transmission made for smoother and more reliable operation. Our
example presents very well, with correct finishes, fittings and
wiring. It is a strong running example that is ideally suited for
touring with the CCCA or other nickel-era clubs, thanks in no small
part to the powerful and smooth engine and very well restored
chassis and running gear. The Cadillac Model 55 is very significant
part of the history of the automobile. This was one of the first
cars produced under the auspices of General Motors and they helped
to establish Cadillac as one of the world's greatest automakers. In
2014, the Historic Vehicle Association nominated a similar Model 57
as the very first car on their Historic Vehicle Register, shining
new light on these robust, beautiful and important cars. Our
example is sure to please thanks to its excellent, restored
condition and well-sorted mechanical nature. We are very pleased to
offer this fantastic Cadillac and we hope you get as much joy from
it as we do.
